7 favorite topics of boring fundraisers

One of the main culprits for poor fundraising results is boring fundraising. Here are seven topics to avoid if you don’t want to be a boring fundraiser:

1. The things your organization doesn’t do. What you don’t do is meaningless. Talk about the cool things you do.
   
2. Staff training. Why would anyone care about the amazing conference someone went to, or somebody’s new CFRE? Do your job well and talk about the results.
   
3. Your philosophy. Philosophy is important, because it guides your actions. Unfortunately, it’s also really, really boring. Talk about your actions instead.
   
4. Your new brand. Yeah, it was a lot of work coming up with it. If it’s any good, it doesn’t need announcing.
   
5. Anything about the way you run your headquarters.
   
6. How tough it is to raise funds. Please don’t kvetch about how hard your job is. Almost everybody’s job is hard.
   
7. Awards or certifications you’ve won. Unless they’re from a charity watchdog or other body of interest to donors.